The Mississippi Highway Patrol concluded its 2017 Fourth of July enforcement period which began Friday, June 30, at 6 p.m. and ended Tuesday, July 4, at midnight. Throughout the period, MHP issued 5618 citations with 100 DUI arrests. A total of 183 crashes were investigated including 3 fatalities and 48 injuries on state, federal highways, and interstate systems. MHP saw a huge reduction in seatbelt citations throughout the period with 199 being issued. During the 2016 Fourth of July period, 444 seatbelt citations were issued. We attribute this to responsible decisions by motorists regarding the new seatbelt law and the MHP “In the Click” safety campaign. A reduction in fatalities was also recorded this year compared to the 2016 period where 6 fatalities were recorded. All available troopers were utilized statewide during the period conducting saturation patrols and safety checkpoints.
Below is the fatality information regarding the period.
On Sunday, July 2, 2017 at approximately 11:32 p.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash involving one vehicle in Yazoo County. A 2001 Chevrolet passenger vehicle driven by Wilbert L. Demus, 56, of Bentonia, MS was traveling Southbound on MS433. Vehicle left the roadway and collided with a utility pole. The driver was pronounced dead on scene due to injuries sustained in crash.
On Monday, July 3, 2017 at approximately 11:36 a.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash involving one vehicle in Monroe County. A 2014 GMC pickup driven by Michael D. Watson, 53, of Amory, MS was traveling Westbound on MS8. Vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree. The driver was pronounced dead on scene due to injuries sustained in crash.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at approximately 06:25 p.m., the Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to a fatal crash involving one vehicle in Grenada County. A 1998 BMW passenger vehicle driven by William D. Few, 31, of Grenada, MS was traveling Southbound on Interstate 55. Vehicle left the roadway and entered the median rolling over several times. The driver was pronounced dead on scene due to injuries sustained in crash.
Courtesy of Mississippi Highway Patrol
Follow HottyToddy.com on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat @hottytoddynews. Like its Facebook page: If You Love Oxford and Ole Miss…
